Feelings on Pit bulls

This thread is not for drama in anyway. Actually directed more towards owners of pit bulls. DH and I really want a Pit, however we are afraid of the many possibilities that come along with these dogs. DH had a pit growing up and was a sweet friendly dog. I know you only hear about the bad stories so I was hoping to hear a good one! Also, if you have more than one dog how does your pit bull act with the other dog. We have a six pound maltese, so I have some concerns.
TIA

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We have an 8lb poodle and a 70lb pit mix. Our pot mix is the best dog ever. It's all in how you train them. We got him from Little shelter. They were awsome with the whole process. I brought my poodle with me and we hung out there for hours to see how they got along. My poodle runs the show. OUr pit mix was very skiddish and scared when we got him. Noone trusted him in the family but now they all love him. I think Pits are awesome dogs. People tell me all the time that pits turn on you blah blah blah! I just tell them if they don't like it then stay away from our home. It all depends on you.

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Thanks Luckysmom, I have a feeling my SIL will not let her kids around a pit if we get one even though they had a pit before they had kids

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We have an American Staffordshire Terrier, he looks just like a pit bull. He's sorta the same but just bread for different reasons. He was 2 when we brought our DD home and we just got a kitten (lol although he turned out to be the tougher of the 2)

I dont think I'd ever get a different dog, he is the most gentle thing ever.

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Message edited 7/27/2008 8:11:22 PM.

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It's all in the way you raise them. Don't blame the breed. I know so many people who have pits and they are awesome!

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I love all dogs. Pitbulls just get a bad rap. I have come across the sweetest ones! Am I have also witnessed one rip open a kids stomach at a baseball game....however in the dog defense the kid (about 16yrs old) was taunted him and not giving him a ball. he was a stray roaming around....but still

but i do feel they get a bad rap. I am not going to lie I am very cautious around the breed but any breed can attack you.

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My cousin has an autistic son and a pit. They had the pit first. She is an older dog and I think the best display of a pit with a child was when DH was asking how the dog was with kids. They said she was great, as we were talking we turned to see their son literally climbing on the dogs stomach/chest holding onto the couch while the dog didn't react at all.
There's something to be said for breeding, but there's more to be said for how you raise the dog. If the dog is exposed to children, it will be okay with children.

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they are cute but I would never bring oone into my home unless I got them as a puppy ...that is just my personal thing

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My next door neighbor has the best pitt in the world!! She socialized him from day one.. My littlte Maltese loves him.. He is gorgeous.. His name is Vito. He is in my photo album if you want to see.. "Lola loves Vito" He is really a good boy.

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I think if you have the time now, and you will have the time in the future when you start a family, to ensure that you are the pack leaders of your family - and not the dog - you will probably be fine. I would absolutely introduce any new dog to your current dog first to alleviate any problems later.

That can be said for any dog though, but especially those that have the potential to be a dominant member of the family.

I've known sweet and docile Pits and only one Pit that was chosen for his dominant nature and trained in that vein. The dog was also not fixed. He was wanted for a 'guard dog' and was very protective of his owner. But that was all about the owner and what he did - and didn't do - with the dog.

In the end, it comes back to the humans. The time you invest in your dog and how you interact with them. I'd highly recommend "Be the Pack Leader" by Cesar Milan - we learned so much about treating dogs as instinctual animals first, and not as little children first.

Message edited 7/28/2008 8:34:55 AM.

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DH and I have a pit. We have a chihuahua (Bailey) as well. We had Bailey first. They are absolute best friends. The cutest thing you'll ever see. As far as my pit goes, she's the best dog I've ever had, and I grew around a lot of dogs. Most affectionate dog you'll ever see. My neices and nephew's climb all over her, and she does NOTHING. It's DEFINITELY in the way that you raise them. Smother them with love and you can't go wrong.

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I am a mom of 3, yes 3, FEMALE pitbulls-suppossedlye a big "no, no" when raising pitbulls. Thy are both people and other animals, we have puppy play dates alll the time. GL

ETA: they are obediant, great with kids and I will never own another breed.

Message edited 7/29/2008 1:44:56 PM.

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Thanks so much for all your input!

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I have two pitbull mixes. They are the best dogs ever.

Incredibly loveable, loyal, protective and obedient.

They're great with the kids too.

My girlfriend has two purebreed pits and a one yr. old. The dogs are incredible with her son. He plays with them, gets right in their faces and their complete MUSH!!

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My parents have a pit mix. I have to be honest and say that I was a little intimidated when i first met her. You hear so many horrible stories. Well, all I can say is that she is amazing...so sweet, playful and loving. I look back now and can't believe I was ever afraid of that mush.

ETA: My parents also have a maltese, a poodle and a cat. They all get along wonderfully!

Message edited 7/28/2008 10:54:53 PM.

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We have an American Bulldog that people mistake for a pit all of the time. I have actually witnessed people change the side of the street they were walking on, grab their kids when we walked by & pick up their lap dogs as well--mind you my dog is walking next to a baby stroller and is a big mushball. We have a friend that has 2 purebred pits-one is a lovie, the other a little nutty

Message edited 7/29/2008 6:00:13 AM.

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From what I've heard, they seem to be great dogs, and I have nothing against them as a breed.
My brother, however, rescued one from the side of the road. I think it's a kind thing for him to have done for the dog, but I simply can't trust my daughter around a dog whose history I don't know. Especially a dog who was raised by people who would then abandon it!

People are clearly the reason pit bulls have a bad name!

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Here's a picture of my friend and her son with one of their pit bulls. Now if that isn't MUSH, than I don't know what is!!!

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It's all how you train them. They are powerful dogs and unfortunately attract people who want them for the wrong reasons. I think they are cute!

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I would never trust any animal with my child that was unfamiliar.. I am just that way.. And I treat my dog the same way. I dont just let any dog near her.. Actually I only let my neighbors pit bull near her because I practically raised him with her . I feel like he is my dog as well. Too many horror stories.. What about the family pet that all the sudden turns on the human.?? How the heck does that happen.. They sware the dog never showed signs of aggression and then they just turn one day?? I just cant imagine my dog ever doing that but I guess it could happen. With any dog not just a pitt.